Osteoporosis

What is Osteoporosis? A disease that causes bones to become brittle and fragile Literally means “porous bone” The consequence of long-term bone demineralization

Who gets it and why? There are different types of osteoporosis classified by the cause Primary Osteoporosis: type I and type II Secondary Osteoporosis

Primary Osteoporosis Type I : Post-menopausal 25% of Post-menopausal women will develop it Due to drop in estrogen Most common between yrs Incidence increases with age

Primary Osteoporosis Type II: Age Related Bone loss due to aging process Men and women generally over 70 yrs

Secondary Osteoporosis May be caused by: Steroids (corticosteroids) Anticoagulant Anticonvulsants Result of disease or disorders (kidney disease, anorexia, hyperthyroidism) Impairment of calcium absorption Immobilization Inflammatory arthritis

Risk Factors Low calcium intake Sedentary lifestyles Tobacco use Being underweight Amenorrhea Estrogen deficiency Decreased bone-mass mineral content, as detected by a bone-mass density test Genetics/family history

Prevention Weight bearing exercise (walking is the easiest form) Important to start during developing years, before 25, to build strong dense bones Continue into adulthood to prevent density loss Diet High calcium and vitamin D to help absorb the calcium\ Vitamin supplementation  Maintain appropriate body weight Being too thin increases risk

Signs of Osteoporosis Decreased height over time Hunched back Broken bones Back pain Tooth loss

Diagnosis: Bone density is evaluated through various types of radiation technology Bone density evaluated by number of standard deviations between bone mineral density and peak bone mass Normal loss: 0-1 Osteopenia: – 1-2 Osteoporosis: < –2 Severe osteoporosis: > –2.5

Symptoms of Osteoporosis Joint pain swelling Fractures due to minor trauma Bone deformity Debilitation

Treatment There are a wide range of treatment options Once out of developmental years (past 25 years), reversal is unlikely, but goal is to prevent further loss Various drug treatments in combination with weigh bearing exercise and dietary adjustments to include vitamin D and calcium are most common

Important Considerations for Physical Activity Par-Q and medical release must be completed Adjust loading if osteoporosis is present due to increased risk of fractures (Include resistance often hip or wrist) Include strength training/weight bearing activity in programs for all ages, in all populations for prevention Target Extensor groups to prevent common deformity

Contraindications to Physical Activity? It is widely accepted that physical activity helps to prevent further bone loss and helps to increase flexibility, balance, and strength helping to decrease the chance of falls However, precautions must be taken to avoid fractures: Avoid Twisting and bouncing movements Avoid heavy lifting Use proper lifting technique, even for light loads Stop immediately if pain is experienced Age considerations (older adult population exercise contradictions from pervious week) Use padded garments

The Hip Web An example of a protective padded garment to prevent fractures

Special Considerations Although most common in older women, Osteoporosis is not gender or age specific When prescribing exercise may encounter: Individuals immobilized for long periods of time Female athletes Corticosteroid users

Immobilization May Cause Disuse Osteoporosis Long term immobilization may cause degeneration of bone Due to limited weight bearing and muscle activity Bone loss can be detected as early as 2 weeks after immobilization Prevention: Isotonic and isometric exercises during immobilization Treatment: Losses may be regained after remobilization with increased weight bearing exercise

Female Athletes The Female Triad Triad of disorders commonly found in young female athletes Disordered Eating, Amenorrhea, Osteoporosis Most common in sports requiring ideal body weight (gymnastics, figure skating, cross-country running, diving, swimming, and ballet) Does not only effect female athletes Usually caused by desire to be ultra thin to improve performance or physical appearance

Female Athletes How it works: Eating disorders cause amenorrhea and lack of minerals and vitamins for bone growth Amenorrhea with continued lack of vitamin intake accelerates bone loss causing osteoporosis Prevention: Education Early recognition of eating disorder Counseling Monitor body weight (maintain healthy weight) Supplementation

Corticosteroids What are they? Drugs used to alleviate swelling, redness, warmth, and pain or joints or organs Who uses them? Most commonly arthritics and asthmatics Adverse Effects: Long term use may cause sever bone density loss Up to 7.5mg/day for 6 months may decrease trabecular bone volume up to 20%, with continued but slower loss if longer use Side effects are not age specific

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